This summer, join USY and Cambio Trips for a one-of-a-kind adventure that blends service, culture, and fun. Spend your mornings running a mini summer camp for local kids—teaching, creating art, and playing sports—then dive into afternoons of exploration: caves at El Choco National Park, the Jewish Museum in Sosua, and the historic streets of Puerto Plata. Experience Dominican culture through cooking, dominoes, and bachata, and recharge with yoga, paddleboarding, and time on stunning beaches. Along the way, share Shabbat, enjoy local meals, and reflect on the powerful ties between Jewish and Dominican history. More than just a trip—it’s a chance to give back, grow, and create lifelong memories.
Impact DR Path
Travel to the Dominican Republic with USY for 10 days of learning, volunteering, and exploring.
Wake up to a fresh breakfast at the hotel before heading out to Islabón Public School. Spend the morning running a Mini Camp for local children—rotating between sports on the field, arts and crafts in the classroom, and painting a collaborative Jewish/Dominican mural that will leave a lasting mark on the community.
Afternoon
After a local lunch, the adventure continues with a guided exploration of El Choco National Park. Crawl through caves, learn about the unique ecosystem, and cool off in the shade of the lush jungle. Then head back to the hotel for a little downtime by the pool or on the beach.
Evening
Enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant while watching the sun set over the ocean. Cap off the night with a friendly domino tournament or bachata dance lesson, connecting with new friends while immersing yourself in Dominican culture.
International Flight from NYCAccommodationsDairy/Vegetarian Meals and SnacksProgramming FeesSpending moneyTravel insuranceOptional excursions 
See how Jewish teens across North America come together through travel, friendship, leadership, and unforgettable shared experiences.
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation policy
USY Payment and Refund Policy
Program Payment Schedule:
At the Time of Registration: $750 deposit due
January 21st, 2027: $1,000 payment due
March 3rd, 2027: $1,000 payment due
April 14th, 2027: Full balance due
If the withdrawal is without good cause*, there shall be no refund.
If the withdrawal is for good cause* and written cancellation is received:
If cancellation is received in writing before January 21st, 2027, there will be a full refund issued
Between Jan 21st, 2026 – March 2nd, 2027: $150 processing fee will be withheld from the deposit and the remaining balance of payments made will be refunded.
Between March 3rd, 2026 – April 13th, 2026: $1,500 cancellation fee will be withheld from payments made, and the remaining balance will be refunded.
April 14th, 2026 and beyond: No refund will be granted.
After April 14th, 2026 all programs are non-transferable and non-refundable. Scholarships will be applied to the program if you go on the trip. If you cancel for any reason all scholarships are voided and you are required to pay any of the cancellation fees or full price of the trip. All cancellations must be made in writing via email to [email protected]
*The decision as to whether there is good cause for a participant’s withdrawal shall be made by the USCJ/USY program director and shall be final, conclusive, and binding, and not subject to review by any court or arbitrator.
After cancellation is confirmed, the USCJ finance department will communicate to you within 15 days the amount and calculation of any refund to which you are entitled. The calculation (other than arithmetic errors) shall be final, conclusive and binding, and not subject to review by any court or arbitrator. You shall have the option to convert any refund, in whole or in part, into a charitable donation to USCJ. Any refund (or portion thereof) not converted into a charitable donation shall be paid within 14 days thereafter. Note: In no event shall any refund exceed the actual amount paid to USCJ/USY by you, exclusive of any scholarships, grants, or other third-party payments on your behalf.
USY does not provide trip cancellation, interruption or property insurance. We therefore strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Please contact your local insurance company for recommended options or you can contact Teen Travel Insurance to purchase coverage.
Cancellation by USCJ/USY – If USY chooses not to open (in USCJ/USY’s sole and absolute discretion), or any other circumstances beyond the control of USCJ/USY require us (in USCJ/USY’s sole and absolute discretion) to cancel the USY program between the date of registration and June 1st, 2027, “Start Date” of the program year, refunds of monies paid to USCJ/USY will be made as follows:
If cancellation occurs before the scheduled Start Date, you will receive a full refund.
If cancellation occurs after the scheduled Start Date, you will receive a full refund of monies paid to USCJ/USY, less expenses incurred.
As above, after cancellation is confirmed, the USCJ finance department will communicate to you within 15 days of the End Date the amount and calculation of any refund to which you are entitled. The calculation (other than arithmetic errors) shall be final, conclusive and binding, and not subject to review by any court or arbitrator. You shall have the option to convert any refund, in whole or in part, into a charitable donation to USCJ. Any refund (or portion thereof) not converted into a charitable donation shall be paid within 14 days thereafter. Note: In no event shall any refund exceed the actual amount paid to USCJ/USY by you, exclusive of any scholarships, grants, or other third-party payments on your behalf.
The group stays in the same hotel throughout the entirety of the program. The hotels have air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, a pool, and hot water. All of the hotels we have stayed at in the past have been eco-hotels – hotels that have made improvements to their structure in order to minimize their impact on the environment.
Don’t just take our word for it. Hear from the teens
who found their second family and the parents who
trust us with their journey.
The convention was an incredible weekend. From Sloach and Shacharit Live, to Havdallah and singing around a campfire, everyone was filled with ruach and excitement for Shabbat and for USY. We made connections with other teens from across the region, and explored what it means to grow into Jewish identities, building meaningful relationships to last for years to come. Congratulations to our new Regional Executive Board, who were installed Sunday morning, and to Arvot for winning HUSY Comp!
Ruchot was an amazing experience. I had the best time. Not only did I make new friends, but I really felt I was able to express my Jewish values, with others who had the same. It felt very similar to camp, everyone clicked instantly, and there was an amazing Jewish aspect of it. Not only that, but it was an amazing opportunity to learn about speech writing, and speaking with important people for the future. I really learned a lot and had the best time overall!
It was cool. I got to see a lot of people I usually don’t see. That was fun. What I like about USY it really connects me with other Jews in my area and I usually don’t get that in my community especially people who are more observant.
The main thing I love about USY is its grounding in Judaism. Whenever I am at convention I feel like everyone is very focused on providing a good Jewish experience and learning experience for everyone else which I found very enjoyable.
The Chidush trip had a huge impact on me, and gave me a new perspective on Israel. With all thats been going on in the world and in the media, it was so eye opening to be present in the holy land and understand more about what life is like there. Our programs were also so thoughtful. Amongst all the fun I had and new friends I made, I took home lots of new knowledge about Israel and Judaism which I learned from the amazing activities and programs we had. I had the best time and I’m so grateful to have been able to go.
